The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of an unincorporated Antioch man on child pornography possession charges after he provided deputies with a false account of how he obtained the material.
The case involves Stuart M. Lowrey, 35, who initially told deputies that a stranger had handed him a phone containing child pornography. Investigators found inconsistencies in his story, and Lowrey later admitted to fabricating the account. Further investigation revealed that Lowrey was involved in a custody dispute over a child in his care and had used an online service to create AI-generated sexually explicit videos using photographs he had taken of the child and her mother, according to a press release by Lake County.
Lowrey was first arrested for filing a false police report while authorities obtained a search warrant for his phone. The child was placed in Illinois Department of Children and Family Services protective custody and interviewed at the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center. Forensic analysis uncovered numerous child pornography videos, including additional AI-generated material. On April 1, a judge approved an arrest warrant charging Lowrey with five counts of producing child pornography, all Class X felonies. Additional electronic devices were seized from his home pending forensic analysis, according to a press release by Lake County.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “This is a disturbing case involving someone accused of deliberately creating videos that sexually exploit a child, then attempting to mislead deputies with a fabricated story. We take crimes against children and the most vulnerable very seriously and will pursue every lead to protect victims while holding offenders accountable. I am proud of the deputies and detectives who quickly uncovered the truth and ensured the child was removed from this horrific situation, as well as the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for their continued collaboration on this case,” according to a press release by Lake County.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for maintaining order, upholding laws, and protecting the rights of individuals in the community. The office focuses on service through education, communication, partnerships, and enforcement with the goal of building public trust. Its core values include integrity, respect, and professionalism. The office holds accreditation ensuring adherence to recognized standards in law enforcement and began with the county’s founding in 1839 before expanding over time including jail and courthouse additions in 1895, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office website.
